Executive Director

About Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust

Established in 1997, the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust (HPELT) is a registered charity devoted to permanently safeguarding ecologically vital habitats through land acquisition, conservation easements, and diligent stewardship. To date, HPELT has successfully protected over 2,500 acres including forests, wetlands, shorelines, and alvars, thereby enhancing biodiversity and benefiting current and future generations.

Position Overview

HPELT seeks a dynamic and committed Executive Director to lead the organization from a volunteer-driven entity to a high-impact regional conservation leader. This leadership role requires strategic vision, operational expertise, and financial oversight to grow the staff, programs, partnerships, and fiscal strength crucial to sustained conservation success.

The Executive Director will engage closely with the Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, Indigenous communities, government bodies, conservation partners, and local residents to advance land securement, stewardship efforts, fundraising, and community outreach, ensuring the permanent protection of significant natural sites within Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

Based ideally within Hastings or Prince Edward County — or residing elsewhere with strong regional ties and commitment to frequent local presence — the successful candidate will serve as the organization's main spokesperson, motivating stakeholders towards preserving nature for the benefit of both wildlife and people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the strategic plan and annual operational goals.
• Spot and respond to emerging issues and opportunities in biodiversity conservation and land trust sectors.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, innovation, responsibility, and ongoing improvement.
• Enhance organizational capacity to support sustainable growth and impact.
• Identify, assess, and lead conservation projects through land acquisition and easements in partnership with board and community members.
• Manage stewardship of protected properties by applying standardized best practices including documentation, planning, monitoring, and enforcement.
• Ensure all land holdings comply with legal, insurance, tax, and regulatory frameworks, maintaining accurate, permanent records.
• Develop creative collaborations for advancing conservation objectives.
• Design and implement fundraising strategies aimed at supporting HPELT’s operational, stewardship, and acquisition needs.
• Develop and maintain robust relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and governmental funders; lead fundraising campaigns for priority projects.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and ensure effective internal control and risk mitigation.
• Build partnerships with conservation bodies, Indigenous groups, municipal and provincial governments, businesses, and community organizations; represent HPELT in various public settings.
• Recruit, manage, and mentor staff as the organization grows; support a committed volunteer program.
• Collaborate with the Board to foster strong governance and decision-making.
• Enhance HPELT's public profile through storytelling, media relations, presentations, and digital communications including management of online platforms and publications.

Qualifications

• At least five years of progressive leadership experience in conservation, environmental, nonprofit, or charitable sectors.
• Proven record of driving organizational growth or leading significant strategic initiatives.
• Solid knowledge of biodiversity conservation and land trust operations.
• Experience in crafting and executing strategic and operational plans.
• Successful fundraising history involving individual donors, foundations, government, and corporate supporters.
• Strong financial and organizational management skills.
• Expertise or familiarity with land transactions, conservation easements, and property stewardship highly beneficial.
• Experience working with volunteer boards and sound understanding of nonprofit governance.
• Demonstrated ability in team building and leadership of staff and volunteers.
• Exceptional skills in relationship management, negotiation, and partnership cultivation.
• Outstanding communication capabilities across written, verbal, presentation, and media channels.
• University degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and significant experience.

Candidate Attributes

• Deep passion for nature conservation and protecting land for future generations.
• Visionary leader inspiring shared purpose and engagement.
• Innovative, entrepreneurial spirit comfortable with organizational growth challenges.
• Collaborative, adept at fostering partnerships among diverse stakeholders.
• Politically astute and skilled advocate for land trusts and conservation.
• Trusted communicator with credibility and rapport-building ability.
• Strategic thinker balancing visionary goals with practical action plans.
• Self-driven, adaptable, and resilient.
• Committed to integrity, professionalism, and lifelong learning.

Compensation and Working Conditions

The Executive Director role offers a salary range from $80,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time position with a standard workweek of 37.5 hours. The role includes generous paid vacation, paid sick leave, and potentially a benefits package alongside flexible work arrangements.

Location and Work Arrangements

The position is intended as primarily home-based, preferably located within Hastings or Prince Edward Counties to facilitate regular site visits and engagement with local communities.

Equal Opportunity & Recruitment

Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available throughout recruitment to support accessibility. Please note only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.